Does Antique Gold Change?

[ShinyPink]

I've been looking at Victorian pieces and some are 9kt yellow gold. However, in some the photos look like like white gold. I read that it can tarnish, but does it rub off? Can it be reconditioned to more yellow, or does one leave it as is on old pieces? Here's an example:

Thank you!!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I hope some knowledgeable people chime in. I have also been looking at some 9ct pieces and have noticed they develop some weird patinas.

 

[LightBright]

I’m a little nerdy about alloys due to my metal sensitivity.

Here’s a link showing that 9ct gold typically has silver and copper alloys. Both of these metals tarnish and discolor. I sometimes also wonder if heating (soldering) 9ct gold can also cause a discoloration like it does when you overheat a stainless steel pot.

So I would guess that is what’s going on here.

I have a 14ct Gold antique ring that is also patinated where it doesn’t rub. I think 18ct is where you see less tarnishing.

https://www.bullionbypost.co.uk/index/gold/9-carat-gold/#:~:text=What%20is%209%20carat%20gold,slight%20variations%20on%20this%20combination.

 

[Bron357]

It’s tarnish or bloom. It will polish out.
9ct gold has 15 parts out of 24 parts that are NOT gold, often silver, zinc and copper. The higher the gold component the less likely to tarnish and more malleable.

 

[ShinyPink]

@LightBright and @Bron357 Thank you both for the helpful info! I truly appreciate it!